CHICAGO (IL)
Chicago Sun-Times

Editorial

The Archdiocese of Chicago has made great strides in confronting the scandal of child sexual abuse by clergy.

But the Roman Catholic Church’s failings of the past, here and elsewhere — the way in which bishops looked away for decades — cannot be denied. Only when bishops are held to account as fully as the priests they supervise can there be confidence this scandal will never come roaring back.

On Wednesday, in a major step, Pope Francis approved the creation of a Vatican tribunal for bishops accused of covering up for priests who rape or molest minors. Until now, a bishop could be disciplined only by the pope — and no pope has even once demoted a bishop for failing to take seriously allegations of abuse.

It is an essential reform, 30 years overdue. Now let’s see how effective it will be. The Vatican…